Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

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  about what I expected - 2007 Honda Accord
  By TimC - September 5 - 4:06 am

  I chose the 07 Accord SE over a Camry LE as the Accord has a better engine (VTEC) and to my mind sportier look and feel. I chose the SE specifically since it has the better brakes and tires of the higher-priced models (as well as the six CD changer) but not the luxury accutrements I dont need at this point. Ive always been a fan of Hondas and the Accord has not disappointed me so far. There are no surprises--a great look, super reliable engine and superb engineering.

• 

  Nice car but... - 2005 Honda Accord
  By pat - September 4 - 3:10 am

  Good car to drive, but not as fun as previous 96 Accord LX. You notice the weight in corners and stopping but the acceleration during highway merge and passing in straights is wonderful. Not made for cornering. Road noise is intrusive and the radios tinniness doesnt block out the road noise. Drive feedback through the steering wheel is numbing. Transmission shifting is clunky and noticeable especially during smooth, gradual acceleration. Outstanding ventilation controls and headlights.

• 

  Best value out there - 2003 Honda Accord
  By carczar - September 1 - 10:00 am

  At around $18,000, this is the car to have.

• 

  Refined - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Dsops00 - September 1 - 10:00 am

  The power train is very smooth and quiet. For a family car it is fun to drive. Some annoying plastic on plastic rattles, a passenger heated seat back that doesnt heat, a thermometer that is 4 degrees high all the time. Even my Chryslers didnt have these issues. But a sweet power train

• 

  The best of the bunch - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By SirShaw - August 31 - 2:00 am

  I Started my car buying experience 20 years ago and I was an American buyer, but I had friends that had Hondas with 200k and bought them used with close to 100k. Now I see why. This blow the socks off of Dodge, Ford, and Gm. Nissan and Toyota are always going to play catch-up with Honda when is comes to Mini Vans. I bought this new and have 63k on it now. This handle better than all of those above and I have had no problems worth commenting about. If Im in the Mini Van market in about 200k more miles Id buy another.

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  Love the car but not the city mileage - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By City Driver - August 30 - 12:40 pm

  I just purchased this great car about a week ago. I do love it in all ways excpet one: fuel efficiency in the city is awful. I am saddened and shocked as I really expected a little better. I live in a hilly city with lots of stop and go. Mileage thus far has been a constant 14.4. Weather has been perfectly clear and have not had to utilize the 4wd yet. This mileage is worse that my 6cyl RX300Lexus (year 2000). In fact, I traded in a 1999 Mercedes E320 so I could get some fuel efficiency and the CR-V is worse than that car, too. Well, it is a great car to drive in the city and I am enjoying it.

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  Last Accord For A While - 2009 Honda Accord
  By AlaHonda - August 29 - 6:16 pm

  Sadly, this is our last Accord for a while. We have had all the brake issues described before. Ours was fixed under warranty 5 times and now we are told we are on our own by Honda. The service bulletin everyone is waiting on is not coming. The 10s will be out next month, so 2 years and no fix is just that. No fix. The cycling of the exterior lights is just annoying. Its much worse than Hondas past that only did it when the compressor kicked in and was not that noticeable. And yes we were very disappointed in the seat comfort of the EXL model compared to years past. Traded it for a Venza at 45k, sadly we are done with Honda, the quality and customer service is just not there anymore.

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  The 2008-2009 Honda Accords are too big - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Carl - August 29 - 5:30 pm

  We have been buying a Honda Accord sedan every five years for the last thirty years, with the last purchase being the 2008 Accord V6 EX-L. Compared to my 2003 V6 EX-L Accord Sedan, the 2008 seems way to big even though the difference in size is only a few inches. My 2003 drives and feels like a (semi) sports car and the 2008 drives and feels like a full size fat nose sedan, which it is. If you need to haul three adults around in the back seat, then get a 2008-2009, but if you like a sporty car that is fun to drive, then I would suggest that you get a different make of car, as Honda has abandoned its basic principles of making sedans that are fun to drive.

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  Nice but do your research - 1999 Honda Accord
  By ZippyZaZa - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I am a college student and up to this point the car has worked great for me. But transmission just started acting up and I am having it rebuilt right now, which will leave me practically destitute. Never expected this from a Honda, which is why I saved up to buy it in the first place. What a mistake! Honda America does not even respond to my letters or return my calls for assistance. Dont know why only 00-01 models get extended powertrain warranty when it is the same transmission in 98- 99 models. Apparently Ill never know anyway since they wont even acknowledge me. This will certainly be my last Honda.

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  Overpriced & not economical - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Richie530 - August 28 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Honda vehicle. I have had an ongoing problem when I have to remove my foot from the gas pedal and the rpms drop between from 2 to about 1 1/2 the vehicle acts like it is going to cut off. I have had it worked on one time and am getting ready to take it back again. The only other issue I have at this time is the poor gas mileage. Due to the high price of gas I can barely afford the gas to drive it! I drive approximately 300 miles per week mostly city and I am spending $40-60 a week in gas. In addition to the payment I am car poor!!!!